Nathaniel noticed Olivia’s puzzled expression and knew what she was thinking. He smiled proudly and said, "Why don’t you believe me? Well, if you don’t, you can return to the lab and have a look or ask the others. Don't be silly, Olivia. You can't overpower someone stronger than you.
"What do you think Lily can offer you since she’s gone? Has she ever cared about you? Do you even know what she's doing now? Lily was on a first-class flight and got picked up by a Rolls-Royce. What about you? You're living in a shabby rented house with your mother, and you're throwing a tantrum with me and being absent from work.
"How long can your savings last? A year or two, or maybe three to five months? What will you do after that? Have you ever thought about your future? Your contract will expire in two years, so I will hang on to you before it does, and I won't approve if you want to resign.
"If you insist on leaving, you can pay the compensation. Do you think you can afford to challenge me, Olivia?" Nathaniel leaned back and confidently smiled as if he had already won.
Olivia lowered her head and said nothing.
Nathaniel thought he had struck a nerve with Olivia, and his smile deepened. "I'm pretty tolerant toward
you, Olivia. Think about how much trouble you've caused recently. Do you think just any boss will tolerate your behavior? Besides, why are you creating trouble since my relationship with Lily has nothing to do with you? That's between her and me, so do you need to stick your nose in other people’s business?"
Nathaniel stretched and then slammed an envelope on the table. "This is a reward for your recent hard work. Take it, clear your mind, and return to work. MN Inc. will continue as usual, regardless of previous grudges."
"Mr. Hall." Olivia slowly raised her head and pressed the envelope. "I will do the work, but I can’t accept the money." Then she pushed the envelope back.
Nathaniel's smile froze, furrowing his eyebrows," What do you mean?"
"Since you asked, I might as well speak bluntly. You won't let me go, and I can't afford the liquidated damages, so I can only continue to stay. Yes, you have a lot of money, and I can’t compete with you on that, but I will work as usual. However, I will sue you if you don’t pay me my usual salary and maliciously deduct it. Since you want to make this game interesting, bring it on!" Olivia stood up and left after speaking.
Nathaniel was stunned, then turned around quickly," Why are you doing this?!"
Olivia stopped in silence.
"How long have you known Lily, and how well do you know her? Mel and I have known her since we were classmates. How well does she treat you that you're so nice to her? What's in it for you?!" Nathaniel's eyes were contemptuous and full of disdain.
'Loyalty? Righteous gestures? That’s just stupid! Only benefits are eternal in this world!’ Nathaniel thought.
"It doesn’t matter how she treats me. The most important thing is how you repaid her," Olivia turned to Nathaniel and continued, "Everyone else might be clueless, but I know Lily was there for you, and what did she get in return for how much effort she put in for you? You threw her to the wolves and stole the fruits of her labor. Why should I work for someone like you?" Olivia looked down at Nathaniel, and he noticed her disdain.
However, Olivia's eyes aroused Nathaniel's anger. "All right! Since you're so loyal to Lily, I’ll bury you with her!" Nathaniel pushed Olivia away and left.
Olivia staggered and held the backrest beside her with one hand to support herself. She agreed to return to work because Nathaniel was right about at least one thing: Olivia could not afford to lose her job.
She knew her contractual relationship with MN Inc. would end immediately if MN Inc. could not get over the essential oil mishap. However, Olivia understood what Nathaniel meant. Since he had already solved the mishap, it explained why he put on an act.
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